Don’t Neglect Areas You Can’t See
Protect Low Lying Surfaces from Water Damage
Waterproofing below grade is a method of protection many companies choose to implement to help protect low lying surfaces from water damage. This is typically done by applying a special substance or membrane to a surface that makes it more impervious to water and therefore preventing substantial damage.
Because the visible parts of a structure tend to get the most attention for obvious reasons, those parts that are not as visible can be unintentionally neglected. These areas are still an integral part of a structure’s support that could be worn down or damaged by environmental forces and often require waterproofing to be more structurally sound over time.
Find Out if You Need Waterproofing
Signs You May Need Waterproofing Below Grade
At first glance building owners might be tempted to think they don’t have a need for waterproofing below grade services, but that could be a costly mistake. If your business has one or more of these frequently below grade areas, you may benefit from this service:
Basement
Maintenance storage
Parking lots or garages
Service rooms or tunnels
Sidewalks
Utility rooms
Some of the signs of either no waterproofing below grade or a poor job of the application can include:
- Appearance of rust
- Cracks in the surface
- Leaks
- Mildew
- Mold
- Peeling paint
- Standing water
- Unpleasant odors
- Wet patches
- Wood rot
Don’t Neglect Areas You Can’t See
Protect Low Lying Surfaces from Water Damage
Waterproofing below grade is a method of protection many companies choose to implement to help protect low lying surfaces from water damage. This is typically done by applying a special substance or membrane to a surface that makes it more impervious to water and therefore preventing substantial damage.
Because the visible parts of a structure tend to get the most attention for obvious reasons, those parts that are not as visible can be unintentionally neglected. These areas are still an integral part of a structure’s support that could be worn down or damaged by environmental forces and often require waterproofing to be more structurally sound over time.
Choose Best Materials Applied the Right Way
What to Look for in Quality Waterproofing
Improperly applied or incomplete waterproofing efforts can be disastrous for below grade services. The process requires great attention to detail when it comes to installation. When having this service performed, be sure to use a reputable company which will be mindful of the following:
Ensure that after the procedure is complete there are no visible gaps or cracks
Ensure proper preparation of substrate
Confirm that the materials they are using are compatible with those already in place
Consider the temperature limitations of materials being used as some are not appropriate for every climate
Explain how the expected improvements will fit with code requirements
It is worth noting that even the best products for waterproofing below grade areas are essentially ineffective if they are not applied carefully, thoroughly, and with great care and expertise.
Business owners should also be wary of accepting a lesser grade waterproofing material for a warranty deal. The bigger concern is that the best materials are applied the right way and with great precision because without that, the exorbitant expenses you could incur would likely go beyond what the warranty deal would cover.
